8 hours ago
Ram Introduces Righteous Warranty on 2026 Model-Year 1500, Heavy-Duty Trucks
Consumers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever—trucks, too, so Ram is sweetening the deal for its 2026 model line by offering a longer powertrain warranty. We're talking 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That is a big leap from the 2025 Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Ram's 2026 models will feature a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for U.S. buyers, covering various trucks and vans. This move aims to boost brand loyalty amidst recent challenges.
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The more generous warranty covers 2026-model-year Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab 3500/4500/5500 and Ram ProMaster vans sold in the U.S. The performance Ram 1500 RHO and Power Wagon also come with the extended coverage. The extended warranty is not being offered in Canada.
It covers the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. It can only be used by the original owner, so it is not transferable. It applies to individual buyers or businesses whether they buy or lease, but excludes fleet purchases. Why Do This Warranty Now?
The average age of a vehicle is up 30 percent to 12.6 years, says Ram brand CEO Tim Kuniskis. Four out of five truck buyers finance their vehicle for five or more years and then keep them another five or seven years. While these buying and ownership practices have changed, no automaker has changed its warranty to match.
Initially Kuniskis planned to offer the 10-year warranty on the Ram 1500 only to test the idea for a few months and then decide whether to expand it to include heavy-duty trucks and commercial vans.
Kuniskis thinks offering the best warranty in the business will be a significant move. Truck buyer loyalty is legendary: 75 to 80 percent of pickup owners remain loyal to their brand after their first truck. You need to give them a good reason to switch brands. Ram thinks this might be reason enough. Give 'em a Reason to Buy a Ram
About 3.6 million people own a Ram now, but the brand is getting over a rough patch. The launch of the refreshed 2025 Ram 1500 did not go smoothly, the automaker had trouble getting all the trim levels out the door, they were priced too high, and Stellantis had decided to drop the V-8 option, which rattled some buyers.
Since then, Stellantis has installed new leadership at the top with CEO Antonio Filosa, prices have become more competitive, and manufacturing has ramped up. Kuniskis returned to Stellantis in December, coming out of retirement after only six months to try to restore the brand. He has promised 25 product-related announcements, starting with the return of the Hemi V-8. Customers can order the 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter V-8 as an option, though it'll cost more than the (more powerful) Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 that effectively replaced it for a year. With the throaty V-8 back in the lineup, after it was discontinued for the 2025 model year, Ram also announced plans to return to NASCAR, pledging to be part of the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 after being out of it for 13 years. Ram plans to compete at Daytona in 18 months and has shown a Ram 1500 concept race truck.
Ram has also launched a new tagline: 'Nothing Stops Ram' and the 'Never Stop Being American' marketing campaign.
